. >> i know there's not a parent in america who doesn't feel the same overwhelming grief that i do. >> reporter: it was an emotional side of the president rarely seen in public. he repeatedly wiped away tears and paused to compose himself. >> the majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. they had their entire lives ahead of them -- birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. >> reporter: it was almost two years ago the president was called to be consoler in chief after a different act of gun violence in tucson where congresswoman gabby giffords was shot and six others were killed. >> we mourn with you for the fallen. we join you in your grief. >> reporter: today the president recited a grim list of other places now known for horrific gun violence on his watch. a shopping mall in oregon, a sikh temple in wisconsin, a movie theater in colorado. today the president suggested he might take some action. >> we're going to have to come together to take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this regardless